Community work offenders have been immersed in Maori culture while planting and tending flax beds (pa harakeke) at Hukanui Marae in Gordonton, near Hamilton. The marae is a busy venue for hui and workshops, and also teaches traditional Maori flax weaving.
Guided by marae teacher Kirika Profitt, offenders learned how to cultivate and harvest flax correctly and became responsible for general maintenance of the gardens. They have also helped to plant a special garden comprising flax species donated from a local woman’s collection, bringing the total number of flax species on the marae to nearly 80.
Kirika, of Ngati Wairere affiliation, uses the analogy of a family to explain how flax grows best when surrounded by other bigger flax plants, just as we grow best when surrounded by people who support and care for us.
She has been very pleased with the work done by the offenders, who were required to acknowledge the rules and traditions of the marae. Some even returned to learn flax weaving, helping to weave tukutuku panels for the marae at the new Auckland airport.
“Hukanui Marae is such a peaceful place,” says Kirika. “By planting and cultivating the flax, the workers are ensuring the tradition of flax weaving will continue for generations to come.”
Community Work Supervisor Storm Powell says offenders also learn about the language and ways of the marae, instilling in them tolerance and respect for others.
She says CPPS has a strong association with marae in the area, and work parties are regularly rotated, enabling them to learn a range of skills and encounter different environments.